New here to Overland Bound, but not to fly fishing. I've been at that game for over half a century and now make my living helping folks learn more about the sport. Equipment is just stuff and is easily found, but knowledge comes with time, practice and the occasional help from someone with the experience you are working towards. Kind of like most things in life. What I love most about the sport is not the fish or the fishing, but the places fish are found. Water has always been a healing place for me when life gets out of hand. I find myself getting into Overlanding to find more of those beautiful places and perhaps a little peace.
Occasionally my guys in the shop and I head off to camp and fish with a few friends. If anyone here in the NW is interested in joining one of our non-guided get togethers let me know. Right now we're planning a Black Friday fish-in on the Deschutes River. I normally bring a hot lunch for all and folks add what they want. Kind of like Stone Soup. It was a bit chilly last year, but everyone had fun. We caught a few Steelhead and some nice Trout too!
I also work with two groups here in Oregon, Project Healing Waters and Casting for Recovery. Both use fly fishing as a means of healing. PHW gets our Vets on the water and CFR hosts breast cancer fighters. I'll be blasting down to southern Oregon tomorrow for the CFR retreat to help with their on-the-water session. It's great fun and very rewarding.
So on that note, I offer whatever help I can to all of you fly fishers and want-to-be fly fishers. I would just say, it's not about the fish. It's about having fun and enjoying the great outdoors. Travel Safe.
Blitzen River near Frenchglen, OR (we caught and released some nice fish!)